On Monday, the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture (ACDA) convened an invitation only round table with 14 guests to map out a concerted approach to agricultural education. The ACDA also met with Parliamentary Secretary Sid Sidebottom and Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb.

The ACDA elected its former Vice-President, Professor Iain Young from the University of New England, as its new President. Professor Young replaces Professor Rick Roush who has completed his two-year term. The incoming Vice President is Professor Holger Meinke, Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) at the University of Tasmania.

Professor Young highlighted the leadership of Professor Roush during a very busy period for higher education in agriculture. "During Rick's Presidency, the ACDA has become firmly recognised as the peak body representing university research and education in agriculture."

"Rick has represented university agriculture across a wide range of issues and activities, including the Productivity Commission Review of agricultural research; employment demand in agriculture and student recruitment to meet it; reviews of organisation and delivery of agricultural research, development and extension being conducted by state and federal Primary Industries agencies; the teaching of agriculture in schools; fees and other costs to agricultural students; and the funding of agricultural courses," Professor Young said.

Professor Jim Pratley added "Rick has been great to work with, and helped keep us engaged in a wide range of issues. Rick and Iain have worked closely together, and there will be no pause in the ACDA's determined pursuit of improving agriculture across Australia and internationally."

Professor Roush replied "I have very much enjoyed the challenges of my term. Our successes are due to a strong and unified team effort by all of Deans and Heads of Schools within the ACDA. There is much to be done and I know that Iain, Holger and Jim will continue to lead us in meeting the challenges."

Professor Young added "I'm looking forward to the opportunities. As highlighted in the round table, the ACDA is recognised for national leadership on agricultural research and human capacity building. The ACDA will intensify its constructive approach in working with the industry towards sustainability through the provision of a world-class education system."

"The consensus of the round table discussion was that all organisations interested in agricultural education, from schools to Universities and TAFE, to farmer organisations and agribusiness, need to unite on common messages".

The Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture (ACDA) is made up of those 14 Universities in Australia that offer a degree course in an agriculturally related area, represented by a Dean or Head of School. The purpose of the Council is to promote the development of agriculture through study and research in universities throughout Australia.

For more about the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture (ACDA) and background papers, google "ACDA" www.csu.edu.au/special/acda/ see also "Career Harvest", www.csu.edu.au/special/acda/careers/